Paul Janish To Retire, Join Rice University Coaching Staff

Veteran utility infielder Paul Janish has been granted his release from the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate and “has left the club with plans to retire,” reports David Hall of the Virginian Pilot (on Twitter). Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com tweets that O’s skipper Buck Showalter confirmed the release, and Kubatko adds that Janish will join the coaching staff at his alma mater, Rice University.

The 34-year-old Janish was a fifth-round selection out of Rice by the Reds back in the 2004 draft. He debuted with the Reds just under four years later, appearing in 38 games as a rookie. While he never fully cemented himself as a regular with the Reds, Janish spent parts of the next four seasons in Cincinnati before joining the Braves for the 2012-13 seasons. He’s appeared in 14 games with the Orioles in each of the past three seasons, including the current campaign.

All told, the light-hitting Janish will wrap up his career as a .212/.280/.284 batter over the life of 473 Major League games and 1305 Major League plate appearances. Despite that lack of offensive production, though, Janish’s superlative glovework allowed him to spend parts of nine seasons in the Majors. Primarily a shortstop, Janish graded out at 21 runs above average, per Defensive Runs Saved, and 17.3 runs above average, per Ultimate Zone Rating. He also logged 140 innings at second base and 262 innings at third base.

During the stretch in 2012 when Simmons was injured, he was fun to watch with the glove in Atlanta. As long as you knew you were getting a Gold glove caliber defender with no bat, there’s no reason not to have him in your organization as depth. Good career

Saw him in Norfolk, always talking to the manager, the coach, the younger players…..never saw him just sitting there looking bored, the way a lot of veterans at AAA do…..seems to be into this “coaching thing”…..sounds like he’ll do well…….

He made it farther than many ever made it. Had he played for Earl Weaver, Weaver would of surrounded him with sluggers and a good pitching staff. His defense was super. Best of luck in his coaching career.